Seaford veteran Fraser McLean to play 500th game this Saturday

A 45-year-old Adelaide State League soccer player is about to play his 500th game: he’s threatened to retire plenty of times over the past 28 seasons but this, he says, is finally it.

Fraser McLean - 500 soccer games

FRASER McLean admits he has threatened to retire plenty of times over the past 28 seasons.

But the 45-year-old Seaford goalkeeper insists this Saturday’s State League soccer clash with Gawler — his 500th senior game — will be one of his last.

“Some might say I should have packed it in a long time ago,” jokes McLean, who holds the SA games record.

“But I think it’s time to give someone else a go.

“I’ve probably said that a few times over my career, but I’ve had a good enough innings.

“The 500-game milestone is a huge achievement and it’s definitely something I’m proud of.”

Born in Scotland, McLean grew up playing football on the streets of his hometown, Cupar.

“I always got chucked into goals, even as a young lad,” he says.

“I would always get skinned knees from diving on the tarmac.”

McLean moved to Adelaide with his family aged 11 and started playing for USC Lion.

He later joined West Torrens Birkalla, where he trained under former West Ham keeper Gary Sproul, and made his senior debut aged 17 in 1988.

He won four top-flight championships with Adelaide Blue Eagles in the early ‘90s, before playing 327 games for Noarlunga United.

“I’ve definitely got a lot of good memories at Noarlunga,” says the Sky Blues life member, whose son, Ewan, plays at the club.

“It will always be close to my heart.”

McLean stepped away from soccer in 2013, but was encouraged to pull the gloves on again for neighbouring Seaford last year.

“It definitely takes a lot longer to recover from games these days, but I try to keep as fit as possible,” the Morphett Vale resident says.

“I wouldn’t still be playing if I didn’t think I had something to contribute to the team.

“We’ve got a lot of youngsters (at Seaford), so having that experience comes in very handy.

“You’re only as good as your form — if there’s somebody better than you, you’re going to get replaced.”

The Glasgow Rangers fan says he will consider offers to move into coaching next season.

“After playing for such a long time I think I’ve got a bit to give back to the game.”